Effort Versus Ability
Do you believe your natural ability or your effort is more important to achieving your dreams?
An off schedule post
This is an off-schedule post. That means something different or interesting is going on that warrants paying attention to. So, my friends, read on to find out more!
The success path
Afterburner Success Partners was established to help individuals achieve their dreams, enabling them to live their best lives. As I often say, the process is simple; the execution is a bit harder. While that is a true statement, there are things we can do to make that path easier.
I’ve been authoring these blogs for almost a year and a half now. Because the path to being successful is rather straightforward, I often feel like I am repeating myself. Of course, that does not bother me because I know that repetition is an important way to learn. Learning is the primary reason I established Afterburner Success Partners, developed the course, and wrote the book for those who need assistance developing their own life plans. I previously authored a post on April 22, 2025, titled “Big Rocks First.” As part of this post, I described what I call “The order of operation.” The order of operation is a series of steps, beginning during our childhood, that explains the steps to take in the order they should be completed, resulting in us achieving all the things we want in life. The theme of that post was to do the most important things, the things that yield the most significant benefit, in the order that will be most efficient and yield the most success.
Frankly, if you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, or someone who influences young people, you would be hard-pressed to find a more succinct formula of success than this list. If you can take the time to go over these steps with these young people, you will be helping them tremendously. What if you or someone you love or care about is an adult and is looking for the formula to improve their lives? In that case, this list still holds tremendous value, as it remains relevant and can be implemented from your current position by using it as a basis to create a personalized formula for success. Remember how, at Afterburner Success Partners, we say, “We take you where you are?” This is what I mean by that.
In the interest of full disclosure, I would be remiss for not mentioning that, of course, I understand there are other ways for one to achieve what they want in life besides this formula. What I want to do, however, is play the percentages. By that, I mean using a formula that, if followed, has a high likelihood of success. Yes, a person could be the next TikTok viral star, sign a professional sports contract, or win the lottery, but those who achieve this are in the minority and live in a small subset of individuals who can accomplish something like this. If you, someone you love, or someone you know is seeking a path to success, you would do well to recommend this formula to them.
Let’s review the order of operations:
Take the high school courses that will prepare you for college, trade, or technical school
Get good grades and participate in appropriate activities, both inside and outside of school
Serve your country. Now, or…
Attend the college of your choice or learn a trade.
Study the topic of your passion. Graduate on time with a degree or skill in the field you want to work in
…serve your country later. Regardless, do it when you are young. Military, Americorps, or other ways where you give of yourself to put others first
Meet the person of your dreams while in college, one of the most popular places
Marry the right person. Marry the right person. Marry the right person. Did I mention that you should definitely marry the right person?
Purchase a home. A home is the average person’s most significant source of wealth
Have and raise successful children and be a great parent
Work hard, excel in your career
Retire on YOUR schedule with financial freedom
Enjoy the ride
Build generational wealth
Give back (I would like to mention that you can give along the way, so no need to wait until the end)
I’m reading a very, very interesting book right now…
As you know, I derive ideas for these special posts from reading and studying topics that support my course and books, and will help you or your loved ones achieve their dreams. I’m currently reading a fascinating book titled The Asian American Achievement Paradox. Given the title, the topic is precisely what you would expect it to be; however, the findings are not what you would expect. If you would like to gain a better understanding of what it takes to achieve success, then the book is an excellent, yet demanding, read. Click on the link in Note 1 to see more.
One of the significant findings, and thus discussion points of the book, is the answer to this question (I’m paraphrasing): Is it better for a person to have natural ability or is effort more important to achieve success? Think about that question for a minute. What conclusion do you come to?
Throughout the Afterburner Success Course and book, I repeatedly emphasize the value of hard work, which is the individual effort expended by those seeking success. I even go so far as to say that effort trumps natural ability in the quest for success. Not only does this book, The Asian American Achievement Paradox, reach the same conclusion, but it also explores how individual effort is not only encouraged but also expected. I’m not going to go into the details. I suggest reading the book for yourself if this topic interests you, like it does me. What I will say, however, is that it is not surprising that the material I teach in the course and my book, and repeat above in “the Order of Operation,” are complementary. And, in case you are wondering, and I’m guessing you are, the formula applies to all people, that is, everyone.
Increasing performance and success with the power of “and”
Because I’ve been a car guy, and I spent my career in the aircraft business, I’ve learned a lot about how the performance of machines can be enhanced. For example, in 2025, many cars will have smaller engines than in the past and will be equipped with turbochargers. A turbocharger utilizes exhaust gases to boost the pressure in the intake manifold, thereby increasing performance (Note 2). Additional benefits include the ability to utilize a smaller, lighter engine that has increased fuel efficiency.
Cars, as well as some aircraft, can utilize a supercharger. A supercharger is also used to increase intake pressure, but unlike a turbocharger, which is driven by exhaust gas, it is driven mechanically by the engine (Note 3 and Note 4 video). And if you’ve never seen a 12,000-horsepower (Note 5) nitromethane-powered supercharged top fuel dragster, click on the link in Note 5 to watch.
In the same way, fighters and other high-performance aircraft utilize afterburners to improve their performance. Afterburners essentially pour fuel into the exhaust and ignite it in a controlled manner. Click on the link in Note 6 to see a short video. This theory, the ability to increase the performance of an aircraft, is where the name Afterburner Success Partners name comes from, and means that utilizing the services of ASP can dramatically improve your performance, just like an afterburner! Now you know!
If you are around me for any period of time, you know that I don’t try not to use the word “or” and do try to use the word “and” as much as possible. Why is that? It is because the word “and” implies the utilization of more than one resource, as opposed to only one. For example, if I were asked, “Would you rather go to the football game or go to dinner?” I might say, “I’d like to know if we could go to the football game AND go out to dinner!”
In summary
Like a turbocharger, supercharger, or afterburner increases an engine’s performance, the word “and” can increase your individual performance and allow you to achieve more. So you can achieve your dreams and live your best life!
In the case of this week’s post, we want to avoid asking the question, “Is it better to work hard or have natural ability?” Instead, we all have a natural ability, our gift, in some area of our lives. What we want to do is utilize that natural ability, our gift, AND effort (hard work), to boost our performance and achievement so that we achieve our dreams most efficiently! And anyone can do it!
That’s all for this week!
Effort Versus Ability
Increase your performance and success with the power of “and”
Afterburner Success Partners
What’s in it for Me
We all want to be the best we can be. Afterburner Success Partners can help get you on the path to achieving your dreams and living your best life.
Call to Action
Visit the Afterburner Success Partners website today. Purchase the very modestly priced course. View the many resources listed under the More/Books & Resources tab. Forward this email to any family members or friends who may benefit from it.
Recommended Resources
Check out my recently published book, Achieve Your Dreams: A Complete Guide to Live Your Best Life by David Giustozzi. Available on Amazon or on my website. See Note 7.
Up Next
Back to regular posting schedule.
Notes
Please note that as an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on the sale of any of these recommended resources.
The Asian American Achievement Paradox by Jennifer Lee and Min Zhou: https://amzn.to/47xv03m
How a Turbocharger Works: Cummins: https://www.cummins.com/components/turbochargers/how-a-turbocharger-works
How Does a Supercharger Work: Cars.com: https://www.cars.com/articles/how-does-a-supercharger-work-450143/
JEGS #howitworks: Top Fuel Supercharger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IHaiJopOQk
How Much Horsepower Does a Top Fuel Dragster Make?: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B81gFCvku_M
How Does an Afterburner Work, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpsifCZJvl4
Achieve Your Dreams: A Complete Guide to Live Your Best Life by David Giustozzi: https://amzn.to/3IxEFgy